Common names: pythons.^[2]

Python, from the Greek word (πύθων/πύθωνας), is a genus of nonvenomous pythons found in Africa and Asia. Currently, 7 species are recognised.^[2] A member of this genus, P. reticulatus, is among the longest snakes known.

Geographic range

Found in Africa in the tropics south of the Sahara, but not in southern Africa, the extreme southwestern tip, or in Madagascar. In Asia it is found from Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, including the Nicobar Islands, through Myanmar, east to Indochina, southern China, Hong Kong and Hainan, as well as in the Malayan region of Indonesia and the Philippines.^[1]

P. molurus and P. sebae are both invasive species in North America, and they are becoming quite abundant in South Florida and the Everglades.^[3]

Species

*) Not including the nominate subspecies.
^T) Type species.^[1]

Uses

Python skin is used to make clothing such as vests, belts, boots, shoes or fashion accessories such as handbags. It may also be used to cover the sound board of some string musical instruments, such as the banhu, sanxian or the sanshin.

See also

• List of pythonid species and subspecies
• Pythonidae by common name
• Pythonidae by taxonomic synonyms

References